Libraries in Kent host Reading Fairy and BookTrust storytelling sessions

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Settle down for a story at one of 12 Kent libraries.

A series of fun and interactive storytelling sessions for children aged four to seven are taking place at a dozen venues in the county.

Delivered by early years reading experts Reading Fairy - the initiative is part of the national programme 'Time to Read' run by charity BookTrust which aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading by encouraging families to enjoy a book together.

Storytelling sessions are taking place in Kent libraries

This year's chosen book is The Bumblebear - and families are invited to attend one of the 12 sessions to hear more about a sneaky bear called Norman who devises a cunning plot to trick bees and steal their honey.

As well as listening to the book being read aloud, children will enjoy interactive sessions including singing songs, meeting puppets, joining in with performance and sensory storytelling and also making crafts to take home.

The cost is £3 per child and accompanying adults are free.

Arts and crafts, performance and storytelling will all form part of a session

Karen Sillifant, business development officer at Kent Libraries said: “Libraries are already a hive of activity and we’re looking forward to them being even more buzzy than usual during half term when Reading Fairy tells children and their families all about The Bumblebear.

"There will be a story, activities to join in and things to make too. We hope that children will be inspired by these sessions to borrow even more books to read and share with their families.”

Emily Guille-Marrett, founder of Reading Fairy, pictured at the family event Buster's Big Bash which is run by the KM Charity Team each May.

Found of Reading Fairy, Emily Guille-Marrett, added: "There’s a wealth of evidence supporting the benefits of families reading together and studies show that the benefits of reading for enjoyment are far reaching, helping to boost success at school, encourage creative and imaginative thinking, support relationship building, develop empathy and self-confidence, and improve wellbeing.”

Reading Fairy storytelling sessions are taking place at:

Maidstone Library, Monday, October 23, 10.30-11.30am.

Sittingbourne Library, Monday, October 23, 2pm-3pm

Deal Library - Tuesday, October 24, 10am-11am.

Hythe Library - Tuesday, October 24, 2pm-3pm

Westgate Library, Wednesday, October 25, 11am until noon.

Dartford Library, Wednesday, October 25, 11a, until noon.

Ashford Library - Thursday, October 26, 10:30am-11:30am.

Tonbridge Library, Thursday, October 26, 2pm-3pm

Otford Library - Thursday, October 26, 10.30am-11.30am

Whitstable Library - Friday, October 27, 10:30am-11:30am.

Coldharbour Library, Saturday, November 11, 2pm-3pm.